AWARD-WINNING REMODEL

Honoring a Historic Legacy in the Heart of Phoenix

2026 NARI of Greater Phoenix Remodeler of the Year 

2026 NARI Multi-State Regional Remodeler of the Year 

Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and Over

Nestled among the tree-lined streets of Phoenix’s Willo Historic District, this award-winning exterior remodel reflects the enduring beauty of Spanish Colonial architecture and the value of thoughtful preservation. The homeowners, valued repeat clients, wanted to rejuvenate the home’s exterior while carefully maintaining the details that give the property its historic identity.

In Willo, remodeling is never just about appearance. It is about stewardship. Homes in this neighborhood contribute to one of Phoenix’s most distinctive historic environments, and every exterior decision has the potential to either strengthen or diminish that legacy. With that in mind, Homework Remodels approached this project as an opportunity to honor the past while improving durability, comfort, and outdoor livability for modern life.

This Spanish Colonial home in Phoenix’s Willo Historic District underwent a multi-phase restoration led by Homework Remodels. The final phase focused on transforming a mismatched master bathroom into a space that reflects the home’s original architectural character while supporting modern comfort and functionality.

This project was recognized by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry with both the 2025 NARI Greater Phoenix Remodeler of the Year and the 2025 NARI Regional Remodeler of the Year — Region 5 South Central Winner in the Residential Exterior category, reflecting the level of craftsmanship and planning required to successfully restore a historic property at this level.

Our exterior renovation project took place in Phoenix’s Willo Historic District, within a 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival home that had undergone multiple phases of restoration over time. As part of a comprehensive design-build remodeling approach, the project focused on restoring architectural integrity while improving long-term durability and everyday livability.

The scope included exterior stucco restoration, structural repairs, doorway expansion, and the addition of a new patio designed to feel consistent with the home’s original character. Updated finishes, refined proportions, and carefully selected materials helped unify the exterior, correcting inconsistencies from previous modifications while reinforcing the warmth and simplicity typical of Spanish Colonial architecture.

Porcelain tile was introduced in key outdoor living areas to enhance durability while maintaining a handcrafted aesthetic, and subtle improvements to circulation and access points made the home more functional without disrupting its historic presence.

Homeowners considering similar projects in the Willo Historic District often explore our resources on historic home remodeling and the design-build remodeling process to better understand how architectural preservation and modern performance can be thoughtfully balanced.

Respecting the Historic Context of Willo

From the outset, this project was approached with a clear understanding of the home’s place within the architectural fabric of the Willo Historic District. Spanish Colonial Revival homes in central Phoenix are defined by their stucco facades, clay tile roofs, arched openings, and handcrafted detailing. These elements are not simply aesthetic—they represent a distinct period of design rooted in regional materials, craftsmanship, and climate responsiveness.

This remodel was never intended to be a cosmetic update. The objective was to restore architectural integrity, reinforce the home’s connection to its era, and ensure that every improvement felt appropriate to the original design. Our design-build process began with a careful evaluation of the home’s condition, followed by collaborative discussions with the homeowners to determine what should be preserved, what required restoration, and how the home could better support modern living without compromising its identity.

Restoring the Foundation: Stucco and Structural Repairs

As with many historic homes in Phoenix, time had taken a visible toll on the exterior envelope. The stucco exhibited cracking, weathering, and areas of water intrusion—conditions that, if left unaddressed, can extend beyond surface deterioration and affect the long-term performance of the structure.

Our team began by removing compromised material and assessing the underlying substrate. Repairs were then completed using historically appropriate techniques and a breathable stucco system compatible with the original construction. This approach allowed the exterior to regain its authentic texture and appearance while improving durability in Phoenix’s demanding climate.

Structural repairs were addressed concurrently to reinforce the building envelope and stabilize areas affected by settlement and prior modifications. These improvements, while largely unseen, form the foundation of a successful historic renovation—ensuring that the visual restoration is supported by lasting performance.

Thoughtful Paint Restoration

With the stucco restoration complete, attention turned to color—a defining element of Spanish Colonial architecture. These homes often rely on warm, earth-toned stucco, contrasted by natural wood and iron accents, to create depth and visual richness.

After evaluating historically appropriate palettes alongside the homeowners’ preferences, we selected a color scheme that brightens the home while remaining grounded in its architectural roots. High-performance exterior coatings were used to provide long-term UV resistance and color stability in the Arizona sun.

Every architectural detail—arches, trim lines, and transitions—was carefully painted to ensure the finished result felt cohesive and intentional. The home now presents a refreshed facade that feels both renewed and authentic.

Seamlessly Expanding Outdoor Living

One of the most transformative aspects of the project was the addition of a new patio designed to extend the home’s livable space and strengthen its connection to the outdoors.

Outdoor living is integral to the Phoenix lifestyle, but in a historic setting, new additions must feel like a continuation of the original architecture rather than an afterthought. Instead of introducing a generic patio surface, the design was approached as an architectural extension of the home.

The new outdoor space reflects the scale, materials, and proportions of the existing structure. This continuity allows the addition to feel natural—preserving the home’s Spanish Colonial identity while enhancing its functionality for gathering and entertaining.

For homeowners exploring similar possibilities, our pages on open concept and connected living in Willo and designing outdoor living spaces for Arizona’s climate offer additional inspiration.

Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

To further support the homeowners’ goals, we refined the relationship between interior living areas and the backyard. Openings were modified and expanded to improve circulation, frame views, and create a more fluid transition between spaces.

Material and color continuity played a key role in this integration. By carrying interior cues outward—through finishes, tones, and textures—the boundary between inside and outside becomes less defined. This subtle design strategy significantly enhances how the home is experienced, making the patio feel like a true extension of daily living rather than a separate environment.

Materials and Finishes That Reinforce the Architecture

Material selection was guided by a commitment to authenticity. Every element was chosen to support and reinforce the home’s Spanish Colonial vocabulary.

Natural stone anchors the base elements, while warm stucco tones define the wall surfaces. Handcrafted tile accents introduce texture and visual interest, echoing traditional Southwestern influences. Arched openings, clay tile detailing, and hand-forged metalwork informed each decision, ensuring consistency throughout the renovation.

These choices were not decorative—they were architectural. By aligning materials with the home’s original design language, the renovation restores cohesion and strengthens the home’s identity.

Durable and Elegant Patio Flooring

For the patio surface, porcelain tile was selected for its combination of durability and visual refinement. It offers the character of natural stone while providing superior resistance to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and wear.

The selected tile features a subtle texture and neutral coloration that complements the home’s palette. Installed in a considered pattern, the flooring elevates the patio beyond a functional surface, making it an integral part of the overall design.

Working Within Historic Preservation Requirements

Located within the Willo Historic District, the project required coordination with the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office. Homework Remodels brings extensive experience working within historic districts, allowing us to navigate this process efficiently and thoughtfully.

From initial design through final approval, we collaborated with preservation staff to ensure that all proposed changes aligned with district guidelines while still meeting the homeowners’ goals. This partnership helped streamline approvals and ensured the finished work respected the architectural heritage that defines the neighborhood.

A Home Reconnected to Its Past

With each phase completed—stucco restoration, structural reinforcement, paint, patio addition, and finish detailing—the home has been re-established as a cohesive and inviting property.

What was once weathered and fragmented now feels grounded, warm, and architecturally unified. The refreshed exterior restores a sense of pride, while the new outdoor space encourages connection and gathering.

This project goes beyond surface improvement. It restores continuity between past and present, allowing the home to function beautifully while honoring its original design.

A Testament to Timeless Design and Craftsmanship

This Willo Historic District renovation demonstrates how thoughtful restoration can preserve architectural character while improving livability.

Every decision—from structural repairs to material selection—was made with intention. By respecting the home’s Spanish Colonial origins and introducing carefully considered updates, Homework Remodels created a result that feels both enduring and relevant.

The home now stands as a reflection of timeless design, careful craftsmanship, and a deep respect for Phoenix’s architectural history.

Related Remodeling Insights

Homeowners considering a similar project may also find these pages helpful:

• Historic home remodeling in Willo
• Home remodeling in Willo Historic District
• Historic home renovation in Phoenix’s Willo neighborhood
• Remodeling older homes without losing character
• Award-winning Spanish Colonial kitchen remodel in Willo
• Award-winning bath makeover in the Willo neighborhood

Considering Your Own Remodeling Project?

Every home has a story—and the right remodel should honor that story while improving how the home lives today.

At Homework Remodels, we approach each project through a thoughtful design-build process that brings together architecture, planning, and craftsmanship from the very beginning. Whether your home is historic, mid-century, or traditionally styled, our goal is to create a result that feels cohesive, intentional, and lasting.

If you’re considering a remodel in Phoenix or one of the surrounding communities, we invite you to begin with a conversation.

Schedule a private consultation to explore your goals, evaluate your home, and take the first step toward a well-planned and beautifully executed transformation.

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